Defending the Innocent

Ambrose of Milan (c. 339-397)

In St. Peter’s Basilica, this fourth-century bishop of Milan enjoys a place of honor alongside such other Doctors of the Church as Chrysostom, Athanasius, and Augustine. His scholarship was wide ranging, including Scripture commentaries, doctrinal treatises, and even hymns. His most influential writing on morality was On the Duties of the Clergy, from which the following passage is taken. In a culture depending upon philosophers for ethical guidance, Ambrose’s work stood out as distinctly Christian.

Here he addresses the matter of war, arguing that the use of force in defending one’s innocent neighbor is not only permissible, but obligatory.

The glory of fortitude, therefore, does not rest only on the strength of one’s body or of one’s arms, but rather on the courage of the mind. Nor is the law of courage exercised in causing, but in driving away all harm. He who does not keep harm off a friend, if he can, is as much in fault as he who causes it.[1]

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[1]       Ambrose, “On the Duties of the Clergy,” New Advent Website, http://www.newadvent.org/fathers/34011.htm (accessed February 18, 2010), ch. 36.